OBJECTIVETo study the association between depression during pregnancy and low birth weight in neonates, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention of low birth weight.

METHODSCohort studies on the association between depression during pregnancy and low birth weight were collected and a Meta analysis was performed. Data were extracted independently by two investigators, and quality assessment was performed according to Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Egger's test was used to evaluate publication bias.

RESULTSA total of 12 cohort studies with 37 192 samples were included. The results of the Meta analysis showed that depression during pregnancy was associated with low birth weight (Z=2.08, P=0.038), and the neonates whose mothers had depression during pregnancy tended to have a high risk of low birth weight (RR=1.303, 95%CI: 1.015-1.672). The sensitivity analysis showed that the results of this Meta analysis were stable and reliable, and the Egger's test showed no publication bias.

CONCLUSIONSDepression during pregnancy may be a risk factor for low birth weight in neonates.